By using an online workflow tool, everyone got an overview of the project and insight into the work of fellow experts. This made structuring go very quickly, job satisfaction increased significantly and we were able to start optimizing earlier than planned. And, not unimportant: by using such a tool and automatically reporting progress, my client gets good insight into my added value as a project manager.
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Four tips
This makes implementing an online collaboration method sound easy, but it certainly isn't always that simple. Even if clients (and colleagues) are open to a digital project management method, there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome. Here are four tips for that:
Not everyone is suited for such an online system. It can't hurt to ask and discuss. If a client (or colleague) indicates that it is really too far from their comfort zone, then I leave it alone. I have also noticed that colleagues and clients with a healthy, small dose of fear of the unknown, respond very well to an online project management tool. In fact: they are now the biggest evangelists. Find the balance in this: don't impose, but challenge.
Be patient
Customers and colleagues need time to get used to a new way of working. No matter how tech savvy they are , it is still a new way of working. Give everyone the chance to get used to it and above all encourage them to just get started. So far, this has worked best in my experience.
Be flexible but provide support
Online workflow tools assume complete how to get a china phone number openness and flexibility. So be open to each other's tips and coaching. However, the complete flexibility of such a digital system can overwhelm some new users. What helps is to create a first card on the board with rules. This sounds a bit strict, but it does provide guidance. How do we work in the system, what is possible, what is allowed, etc.
Just start!
The way of working together in an online project management tool is new to many people. The best thing is: just start. Start with your own workflow board to get to know the system. I first implemented it internally, so that my colleagues and I could get used to a good internal work process.
Online tools promote trust
Digital collaboration is not innovative in itself. Many companies work agile or according to the scrum method. But using online tools as a collaboration platform for agency and client together is rarely done. The openness of affairs promotes the relationship and the trust of the client in the agency (and vice versa). Those who dare, lay the building blocks for a nice balanced partnership.